He's got your favorite cookies... and enough to share!

 One of the most frustrating things a parent experiences is an ungrateful child.  We go all out for Christmas, but didn't get that one gift... or we give them a treat, but they're never satisfied.  Have you ever given 2 or more children a cookie just to see them counting the chocolate chips, griping over who got more or who's is bigger, and barely even enjoying what you gave them?  When my children do that I don't feel good at all for the giving, and I'm not especially thinking about the next opportunity to treat them.  I might even take away what was given because they're not grateful.  On the other hand, if they are excited about what they got- gifts or treats- and don't compare to what someone else got, I am thinking about the next opportunity  to treat them.  

Do you think God might be the same way?  We do it in the big and little things too.  When we compare what we have, our gifts, talents, abilities, houses, jobs, and we could go on.... and keep finding an area of lack, only to grumble about, how do you think God receives that?  What if instead we were thankful for what we have, and asked God to increase our boundaries, to multiply what He's given us for His glory?  What if praises were on our lips for all He's done and all we have?  I don't know about you, but sometimes, I think that is what people are doing by posting "only the good things on Facebook or other social media".  Testify to what God's doing, what He's done, and what you believe.  Recognize that when you share what He's impressed on your heart, you're not looking for other's approval, or trying to convict others', but you have set up an accountability to walk the way you're talking!

So I'm weaving our talk (social life) with our receiving.  What you speak you will become.  Who you hang out with the most you will become.  Be the person who hangs out the most with God, who is influenced most by His word, and in turn influences others for His kingdom.  Grumbling can spread like a cancer.  Divorce is a great example of this.  One person in the office grumbles about their spouse, despite an otherwise cheerful demeanor, leading to multiple divorces in the office (and adulterous relationships often as well).  Don't be the person to plant that seed, or to water what Satan has planted:  Instead, weed it out!  Begin to talk highly of your own husband and with much grace encourage others to see their spouse's giftings.

Let's dig into God's word a little on the importance of our character, which is perceived by our words and actions.  You may have heard of the "Prayer of Jabez", maybe even remember when a book came out guiding people to pray as he did (and the "prosperity gospel" bashers that threw their stones at it).  There is not much said about Jabez, but there is a theme of God highlighting those who lived honorable lives in His Word.  

1 Chronicles 4:10 says, "Jabez was more honorable than his brothers.  His mother had named him Jabez saying, "I gave birth to him in pain."  Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory!  Let you hand be with me and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain."  And God granted his request."  

 That's the NIV, the NKJV says it like this, and I think this is significant:  " that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!”

He wanted the previous word spoke over him broken off.  He had already chosen to live differently- he was already considered honorable.  He was leaning further into the desire to be God's catalyst, asking that his influence be increased, but only by the hand of God.  He did not want any evil to be in him, or associated with him, and the curse of a person causing others pain broken off.

I read an incredible devotional book years ago called "Sandpaper People."  At the time I was a manager and thought it would be a great help to understand better how to manage difficult people.  I first hated and then loved the book.  It took me from looking outwardly: that others were at fault, to looking inwardly:  that my critical heart was the problem.  I would say I still need that broken off of me, though the seeds of grace are sprouting!  If you think others just can't seem to get it together, there is probably a submission you need to bring to God in your life.  You might be trying to control others more than yourself- a feeble quest that usually only bears rotten fruit.  If you don't like the people you're around, change who you are.  Because they are spending much time with you, they will begin to change too!  Be a grateful and gracious person, and pray that your influence for His Kingdom grows, and you will see change!  

Sorry for that divergence, but I think it rightly so:  God wants us to be grateful people.  It is by our appreciation that we enjoy life, relationship, and increase.  Probably my favorite verse to try to redirect myself is Philippians 4 :4-10.  I can live differently.  You can live differently!  It doesn't matter what you grew up with, the choices you previously made, or what someone said of you.  Live like God's word tells you to!  I mean, seriously, if He is offering you all the power to enjoy life in His presence, to have "shalom peace" about you, why do you keep choosing less, only to complain about it?  God wants you to experience His presence and draw others to Him by your testimony.